MRSA spread: Methods, defense strategies, and further insights
Let's Talk About MRSA:
MRSA is nothing to sneeze at - it stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This wily bacteria is known for its knack for hanging around on the body without causing any symptoms, a situation known as colonization. Though you won't feel a thing, it's crucial for healthcare professionals to pay attention because MrSA carriers can unknowingly spread the bacteria, potentially causing an infection.
Where does MRSA Like To Hide?
If you've got MRSA colonization, you'll probably find it in some of your body's moister regions. These include your:
- Nose
- Throat
- Groin
- Armpits
- Skin folds
- Perineal area
Don't start searching for it just yet! You may have MRSA on you and not even realize it.
WHY IS MRSA A CONCERN?
While MRSA colonization may not make you feel sick, the bacteria can be a worry because it's resistant to many common antibiotics like methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin, and oxacillin. This resistance makes it harder to treat infections and can make them more harmful, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
MRSA spreads primarily through close contact with infected people, sharing of equipment, and environmental contamination of household surfaces.
WHERE DOES MRSA COLONIZATION LEAD?
You may wonder if MRSA colonization will turn into an infection. The answer is that it depends on several factors, like your overall health, any existing conditions, or openings in your skin created by wounds or medical procedures.
Healthcare professionals pay attention to MRSA colonization because, in some cases, it can lead to MRSA infection. To minimize the risk, it's essential to follow good hygiene practices:
- Keep your hands and body clean by regularly washing with antibacterial soap and showering.
- Keep wounds covered and clean.
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, clothing, and bedding.
- Wash clothes, sheets, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill off MRSA bacteria.
- Regularly disinfect surfaces in your home.
CHANGING GEARS - IN A MEDICAL SETTING
In a medical setting, doctors might screen patients for MRSA bacteria, especially those preparing for surgery. They accomplish this by swabbing possible infection sites. If MRSA colonization is found, they may prescribe a nasal cream or spray, body wash, and shampoo to help reduce the bacteria. It's essential to use these products for around 5 to 10 days.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Pay attention to signs of MRSA infection, especially near areas of the skin where it's been broken. Signs of MRSA include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Pus
- Swelling
- An area that feels warm to the touch
By following good hygiene practices at home and in medical settings, you can help reduce the chances of MRSA colonization and MRSA infection.
FAQ's
- Does MRSA go away on its own?
- Does chlorine kill MRSA?
- Will I always carry MRSA bacteria?
Stay tuned for answers to these questions and more!
[1] Strategies for Decolonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in High-Risk Patients. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Vol. 25, pp. 298-304, March 2004.[2] Burkhardt J, Jobst KA, Diekema DJ, Saah C, Lockwood CJ, Gerber MA. Influence of duration of active MRSA colonization on the outcome of decolonization therapy. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Vol. 57, pp. 552-558, April 2006.[3] UW Health. Understanding MRSA: Some Frequently Asked Questions. UW Health, 2017. Available at: https://www.uwhealth.org/classes-and-resources/understanding-methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus-mrsa-some-frequently-asked-questions-5932 [Accessed 27th February, 2023].[4] The European Medicines Agency. Eagle study: New data to support the efficacy of mupirocin in preventing MRSA infections. The European Medicines Agency, 28th September 2010. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/eagle-study-new-data-support-efficacy-mupirocin-preventing-mrsa-infections [Accessed 27th February, 2023].[5] The United States Department of Veterans Affairs. What is MRSA? The United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 5th March 2022. Available at: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-conditions/mrsa.asp [Accessed 27th February 2023].
- The resilience of MRSA has made it a concern in the realm of science, particularly in relation to infectious medical-conditions like chronic kidney disease, as it may complicate health-and-wellness issues for vulnerable individuals.
- Fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and nutrition are essential components of overall health, but they might also play a role in the management of chronic diseases, including the potential impact on the development of MRSA infections.
- Therapies-and-treatments such as the use of CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, are being explored for various health applications. However, its effectiveness in fighting or preventing superbugs like MRSA remains a topic of ongoing research.
- Some studies suggest that the duration of active MRSA colonization can influence the outcome of decolonization therapy, meaning that adhering to the full treatment period could help reduce the risk of chronic MRSA caries.
- In certain medical settings, strategies for the decolonization of MRSA might involve the use of nasal creams, body washes, and shampoos, which should be used diligently for at least 5 to 10 days to ensure their efficacy.
- Understanding more about MRSA, including its transmission, symptoms, and treatment options, can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health-and-wellness and take proactive steps towards prevention.
